Maddie Rae Gotcha Day

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Those of you in the adoption world have no doubt heard of the wonderful organization, "Half the Sky." This organization has a special place in our hearts because Maddie Rae's orphanage in Shaoguan has Half the Sky trained nannies. The nannies are trained in basic childcare including giving the babies age appropriate activities and toys, such as play time, tummy time, outdoor play, and other activities that help them develop more "normally" than other orphanages where babies are just strapped in cribs.

The winter storms moving throughout China have been devastating for many. Many people simply do not even have heat, and sadly the poor and orphaned suffer greatly during these natural disasters. Half the Sky is starting a fund to help, and I have copied part of the email from Jenny Bowen, the Executive Director, below. Any small amount can help, and this is a wonderful organization that I highly recommend.

. . . But a moment like this really cannot be ignored. The tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in the US taught us that no matter how wealthy a country might be, its vulnerable citizens (old, poor, ill, and orphaned children) are the ones who suffer most when disaster strikes. Even as China seems to be entering the first world, a disaster like this is quite simply crippling. We know that orphaned children will be among those who suffer the damage most. I say this because I think we should break one of Half the Sky’s rules and, if there are sufficient funds raised in the Little Mouse Emergency Fund, we should offer relief (water, food, diapers, quilts, clothing) to any orphanage where children need help. Let’s see how this goes. If people are as generous as I think they might be, we will work with the provincial Bureaus of Civil Affairs in every hard-hit community, and offer assistance to all welfare institutions where there is need.Please lend a hand, however you can. You can donate to the Little Mouse Emergency Fund by calling us in the US at +1-510-525-3377 or in Asia at +852- 2520-5266 or by visiting us atwww.halfthesky.org. Once there, you can click on “Donate Now” or go here to download a form to mail or fax. Donations are tax-deductible in US,Canada and Hong Kong.Please forward this message and tell your friends and family.I will be back with an update very, very soon.Thank you!JennyJenny BowenExecutive DirectorHalf the Sky Foundationwww.halfthesky.org